5 Daily Habits For A Better Weekday
Life moves fast, and as busy women juggling family, work, and everything in between, it’s easy to put ourselves last. For many years I thought that putting myself first was selfish but then I was constantly pouring from an empty cup and without fail I would always crash and burn. When I did finally do something for myself it was when I had reached my boiling point and I was irritable, frustrated and honestly, a little bitter which wasn’t fair to me or anyone around me.
The truth is, the small habits we commit to daily are what shape our mindset, energy, and ability to show up well in all areas of life. It gives us the strength to take care of the house, the kids, our marriages, our careers — whatever it is on your plate you will be better for those things when you take care of yourself first. You know the saying, fill your cup up and as cheesy as it sounds, it really does make a difference in your days, weeks, months and years!
For me, my daily habits have been what allow me to care for myself first and help me feel stronger mentally and emotionally for everything else I have on my plate. They aren’t about perfection; they’re about creating a foundation that helps me feel my best. And even I don’t do them I definitely feel a difference in my day - I don’t beat myself up for not doing them but I can tell you, I always regret it when I choose to sleep longer and skip something or to let my to do list dictate my day.
Today I wanted to share with you five simple but powerful habits that have made a big impact on my life:
1. Waking Up at 5 AM Before the Kids
The early morning quiet is sacred. It gives me time to ease into the day, set my intentions, and start on my own terms—without the chaos of morning routines pulling me in a dozen directions. And believe me, this was not easy for me. I love my sleep. I would much rather sleep in than get up early but this is probably the single best habit I started to create a better day. Am I jumping out of bed at 5AM? No but I am up and taking my time getting started which feels good for me.
Usually my alarm goes off at 5AM and I lay there with snooze then scroll for a bit while Joe gets up and ready for work. When he is ready to leave I usually get up (around 5:30AM) and make coffee, turn on lamps and grab all my quiet time stuff.
2. Reading My Bible, Journaling, and Personal Development
Spending time in God’s word, journaling my thoughts, and investing in personal growth helps me stay grounded. This habit keeps my heart and mind aligned with what truly matters before the world starts making demands on my attention.
I start always with a devotional, then my gratitude journal. I then move onto my Bible study and then I read about 10 pages of a personal development book. All in I spend about 45 minutes sipping my coffee under a cozy blanket and move through my quiet time. Afterwards, I get the girls up for school (usually around 6:45 AM) and then I feel equipped to handle all the pulls and tugs.
SHOP MY CURRENT DEVOTIONALS AND BIBLE COVER
3. Moving My Body for 45 Minutes
Exercise isn’t just about staying in shape; it’s about taking care of the body God has given me. My body has felt like it is failing me the last few years with the health issues I have had to navigate so I do low impact workouts that don’t push my body harder than it can but honors it! Whether its strength training, a walk on the treadmill a ride on the Peloton…movement gives me energy, clarity, and the ability to keep up with my busy days.
Typically once I wake the girls up for school I go and make my bed, change into my workout clothes and head to the garage for a 45 minutes workout. Right now I do a 30 minute incline walk and 15 minute strength training. The girls get ready while I workout (they are 11 and 13 so pretty independent in the morning) and I keep the garage door open to the inside and they are in/out chatting with me while I workout so I can make sure they are moving along.
SHOP MY FAVORITE ATHLETIC GEAR FROM SHOP ROOTED AND FREE
4. Reading Before Bed (Instead of Watching TV)
It’s tempting to unwind with a show, but I’ve found that reading before bed helps me sleep better and truly relax. A good book slows my mind, reduces screen time, and allows my body to rest properly. I love a good show but I was finding that the constant stimulation from the screen all day and then the screen at night I just couldn’t shut down at night and get a good nights sleep.
I love reading so this is easy for me but if I am not in the reading mood, I will do a crossword puzzle, adult coloring book — just something to relax and wind down without being on a screen. So if reading isn’t your thing, find something similar!
5. Not Skipping Meals
Skipping meals used to be a bad habit of mine, but I’ve learned that fueling my body consistently makes a huge difference in my energy, mood, and overall well-being. Nourishing ourselves isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. And, it doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated.
As a young mom I thought that eating the kids leftovers was enough but I was never really nourishing my body the way I should. Now, I make sure to eat good healthy meals throughout the week and take the few minutes to do so. It reduces my cravings and snacking and then I feel less guilty for induling with the famiyl on the weekend because I know I treated my body well throughout the whole week.
These small daily choices may not seem like much on their own, but together, they create a rhythm that brings peace, health, and consistency to my life. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to pour into our families, businesses, and the people around us.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, start small. Pick one habit to focus on and build from there. Over time, these small changes will transform your days—and ultimately, your life.
What’s one daily habit you swear by? I’d love to hear!
